Article Written By: Kathryn Dawson
Although the majority of apartments in East London and the Docklands may be furnished to very high standards, it's important to look beyond location when considering to rent an apartment anywhere in the world. With London's Docklands at the heart of the 2012 Olympic Games, you'll begin to find more and more focus with escalating prices. So it's ever more important, that something more than a vista be on your checklist for evaluating potential places to live in or properties to purchase.Before you move it, assuming you are looking to just rent an apartment, it's imperative to do 'walk-through' of the apartment you will be assuming….that is, don't settle for seeing just the model apartment. If you find any items to be deficient or in need of repair, this is your opportunity to make the landlord or the property management company aware of the items. Safety, especially in high-rise complexes, should always be a top concern. Check for sufficient safety features including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Each should be in place and operational.There's probably nothing more annoying than having to deal with leaky faucets, toilets, or pipes. Be sure to check for any signs of plumbing leaks. When it comes to water, check the water pressure and water temperature in your unit. You are looking for sufficient pressure and heat to accommodate your shower or bath. Check the water heater and boiler to make sure they are free of rust. Look for rocks, stones or other debris on the outside of the heater or furnace. This debris or chipping may indicate leaks. All appliances in the unit should work properly. If there is not a washer or dryer in the unit, ask to see the common laundry area. Make sure the common area is well maintained and is well lit. Make sure that access to the common laundry area is limited to residents only.Run your hand along the outside of the window to check for drafts. Open and close all windows and doors to check for any issues, especially windows that have been painted shut or have not been opened for years. Inspect the locks on the doors and windows. Locks should be sturdy and not wobbly. Look up at the ceiling for any water damage. This may indicate either a leak from outside or very careless upstairs neighbours. If there is discoloration, it may be a sign of mould. Check to see if there is any peeling paint or wallpaper, or if any of the walls show signs of cracking or repairs. This may also indicate water seepage problems or may indicate a breech in the building foundation. Turn off and on all lighting inside the apartment to check for electrical shortages. It's also a good idea to bring a small electrical appliance with you. Check the outlets in the apartment to make sure that they all work properly and there are no electrical problems. If so, make sure they are duly noted. Don't rush through your inspection of your potential new apartment. Be thorough and take your time. Whether this is your home for the next month, the next year, or several years, makes sure you'll be happy with it. Armed with this information, you'll be able assess your list of Docklands apartments more easily. Although many people are relocating to this area, initially look for short-term lets, there is no better way to consider a potential property investment than by trying it out for a short lease period. Equally as important as your comfort inside, outside surroundings, ease of shopping, and transportation all play a very important role in your lifestyle happiness and comfort.
This Article Has Been Published on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 and Read 248 Times